1. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups …

2. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups How Each Successive Age Group Is Identified Generation This

3. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Can’t Be Pleased Lk 7:18-35  John sends his disciples to “verify” Jesus’ identity vv. 18-20 cp. Jn 1:29-34  Jesus’ reply is meant to encourage John, help him not stumble vv. 21-23  Jesus also commends John vv. 24-28  The people divide re: this “commendation” from the Lord vv. 29-35

4. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Doesn’t Believe Mk 9:14-29  The Transfiguration vv. 1-13  Afterwards, Jesus observes a crowd around His disciples vv. 14-18  Jesus expresses His frustration vv. 19-27  Both at His disciples & with the people  Even the boy’s father admitted he needed more faith v. 24

5. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Doesn’t Believe Mk 9:14-29  The disciples question admitted their own lack of faith vv. 28-29  Had they not been previously empowered? Mk. 6:7

6. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Won’t Repent Mt 12:38-45  Jesus previously healed a demon-possessed man vv. 22-23  The Jews accuse Him of doing so under the power of Beelzebul v. 24  Jesus illustrates the absurdity of such an accusation vv. 25-37  Satan’s “house” would fall if such were true

7. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Won’t Repent Mt 12:38-45  The Jews demanded a “sign” v. 38  Jesus’ reply… “You’ve had a sign” vv. 39-42  Jonah’s “resurrection” foretold Jesus’ own death, burial, & resurrection  Jonah’s “audience” will condemn Jesus’ (Ninevah repented Jonah 3 )

8. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups One That Won’t Repent Mt 12:38-45  The Jews demanded a “sign” v. 38  Jesus’ reply… “You’ve had a sign” vv. 39-42  Queen of Sheba traveled far to seek the wisdom from Solomon  Queen of Sheba will condemn Jesus’ “audience” (they were hearing Someone greater)  This generation will only worsen vv. 43-45

9. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Each generation will be known for something  We’ve examined Biblical examples of this reality  What about this present generation… especially the young people?  Against what criteria will you be likened?  What are your “identifying” characteristics?

10. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  How do you portray yourself?  Faithful? (most of you are N.T. Christians)  Reaching your potential? (academically, morally, spiritually)  Resisting worldly temptations?

11. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Perhaps this generation should be called “The Electronic Generation”  Fascination with cell phones, computers, etc.  With some, it seems more like an addiction  Some young people cannot seem to function unless they are at a computer or have a cell phone in their hand (Does this describe you?)

12. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups

13. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Name

14. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Perhaps this generation should be called “The Electronic Generation”  Is owning, using such things inherently sinful?  No…they can be wonderful, helpful For Churches Another way to obey the command in Mk 16:15 Web sites, preacher reports, etc.

15. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Perhaps this generation should be called “The Electronic Generation”  Is owning, using such things inherently sinful?  No…they can be wonderful, helpful For Families A way to stay connected when distanced by space A comforting help to parents with children on the go

16. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Perhaps this generation should be called “The Electronic Generation”  Yet, they can be instruments for questionable, if not sinful behavior Social networking sites (Facebook) easily provide ways to gossip, slander, meddle in the affairs of others 1 Tim 5:13 cp. Rom 13:14

17. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Some Present & Practical Observations  Perhaps this generation should be called “The Electronic Generation”  Yet, they can be instruments for questionable, if not sinful behavior Texting seems “over the top”…especially when some may have their phones out right before worship sending a message

18. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Conclusion  Every “generation” has an identity  The Greatest Generation That Ever Lived (fought & survived W.W.I )  Saints in the N.T. church in 1950’s & 60’s (kept the church from going into apostasy)  Traits they possess…choices they made endear them to unborn future generations

19. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Conclusion  Even a “good” generation can give way to a “bad” generation Judg 2:10  Through careless neglect, their own failures?  What about your “generation?”  What will you be known for?  That you can’t be pleased…That you don’t believe…That you won’t repent?

20. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups Conclusion  What about your “generation?”  What will be your identifying characteristics?  Only time will tell  You are writing your history NOW …either for great spiritual success or disastrous failure

21. This Generation Identifying Successive Age Groups …